Huskies Dominate Second Half to Open Season with 38-21 Win Over Colorado State

SEATTLE, Aug. 31, 2025 - The Washington Huskies opened Jedd Fisch’s second season in commanding fashion, rallying in the second half to defeat the Colorado State Rams 38-21 at Husky Stadium in front of 67,778 fans.

After a back-and-forth first half that ended tied 21-21, Washington seized control with a 17-point unanswered run spanning the third and fourth quarters. Huskies tailback Jonah Coleman powered the ground attack, totaling 166 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, including a decisive 38-yard burst that set up a key score late in the third quarter.

The Huskies’ defense set the tone in the pivotal third quarter when safety Makell Esteen intercepted Rams quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi near midfield. The turnover led to a 23-yard field goal from Ben Tomlinson, handing Washington a 31-21 lead. On Colorado State’s very next series, the Rams’ trick play backfired with a sack, and the Huskies capitalized on the short field with a touchdown run by Coleman to extend their advantage.

Washington struck first in the opener as Coleman capped a 75-yard drive with a 26-yard touchdown run. Colorado State answered twice-first on a 2-yard Jalen Dupree plunge to tie it 14-14 at halftime and again on a 27-yard Fowler-Nicolosi pass to tight end Jaxxon Warren to knot the score at 21.

Quarterback Demond Williams managed the game effectively, finishing 15-of-22 for 201 yards and one touchdown. Williams also contributed on the ground, preserving drives with key scrambles that converted two third-and-eight situations in the first half.

Defensively, Washington limited the Rams to 115 rushing yards and forced two turnovers. Esteen’s interception was his first of the season and came at a critical juncture, shifting momentum decisively. Linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu led the unit with nine tackles, including a sack that halted a Rams scoring threat early in the fourth quarter.

The Huskies will return to Husky Stadium next Saturday to face FCS opponent UC Davis in their home opener at 8 p.m. PT. Meanwhile, Colorado State travels to Northern Colorado for Ag Day festivities on Sept. 6.

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